Amid the active monsoon conditions in Himachal Pradesh, earthquake tremors were felt in the state on Wednesday morning. Mild tremors shook Shimla at around 5:46 AM and lasted for a few seconds.
The earthquake measured 4.0 on the Richter scale. According to the National Centre for Seismology, the epicentre of the earthquake was located at 31.387 degrees north latitude and 77.787 degrees east longitude, at a depth of 10 kilometres below the surface. No loss of life or property has been reported due to the tremors.
Earlier, Chamba also experienced an earthquake measuring 2.5 on the Richter scale in the early hours of Wednesday. The tremors were felt at around 4:38 AM, but no damage was reported.
An official of the State Disaster Management Authority said that, due to the low intensity of the earthquakes, there were no reports of any damage in Shimla and Chamba districts or adjoining areas.
Himachal Pradesh has experienced several low-intensity earthquakes in the past as well, but these have not caused any significant damage.
The frequent occurrence of earthquakes in Himachal Pradesh has been causing concern among people. The state has been experiencing tremors at regular intervals over the past several years.
Himachal Pradesh falls in Seismic Zones 4 and 5, which are considered highly vulnerable to earthquakes.
A few months ago, under the new seismic map prepared by the Bureau of Indian Standards, the entire state of Himachal Pradesh was placed in the most hazardous Seismic Zone 6.
However, the Central Government subsequently withdrew the new Zone 6 classification and restored the earlier seismic standards.
Under the new earthquake design code, the entire Himalayan region, including Himachal Pradesh, had been placed in the highest-risk Zone 6, making the entire state highly vulnerable.
Following questions raised over the new standards and an administrative review, the government cancelled the new Zone 6 maps/standards and reinstated the earlier seismic norms. Under the old standards, Himachal Pradesh falls within the vulnerable Seismic Zones 4 and 5.
